One Piece Zoro Novel Labeled as Fanfiction by Disappointed Fans

The announcement that Eiichiro Oda will not be overseeing the upcoming Zoro novel has left many One Piece fans feeling disappointed, with some even calling it “fanfiction”.

The One Piece fandom was filled with anticipation when news of a prequel spin-off novel was released in April 2024. The novel will center around Roronoa Zoro’s journey after leaving Shimotsuki Village to pursue his dream of becoming the greatest swordsman in the world. However, fate leads him to become a pirate hunter after getting lost on his way back home.

Zoro, a well-loved character in the series, had fans eagerly anticipating his journey before meeting Luffy. This was particularly fueled by rumors that One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda would be overseeing the project.

Yet, it has recently been revealed that Oda will not be involved with the Zoro novel.

My translation of the video about Novel Zoro.💪Koushiro: So, you are leaving, Zoro.Zoro: You don’t need to see me off any further than here…teacher.This novel takes place in Shimotsuki Village. The reason why Zoro decided to set sail is depicted under Oda’s supervision.🤩 pic.twitter.com/e2kWGd6U3F

— sandman (@sandman_AP) May 20, 2024

Despite Esaka’s prior experience with the One Piece franchise, having previously contributed to ‘One Piece novel HEROINES’ and ‘One Piece novel Odyssey’, fans are expressing disappointment over Oda’s lack of involvement. Numerous fans are considering the project to be unnecessary and non-canon, as the storyline will not be approved by the original author.

One user on X commented that they were not interested in the upcoming Zoro novel, questioning the purpose of its release. They suggested that it would be better for the creators to keep it to themselves.

Furthermore, someone else chimed in, exclaiming, “There’s no way Zoro is going to get a licensed fanfic.”

Another individual referred to the novel as “glorified fanfiction”.

Despite Oda’s decision to omit Zoro’s backstory from the original storyline, there are still some One Piece readers who believe it is unnecessary for the overall plot.

According to one fan, if we desire a detailed Zoro backstory, we should continue reading the manga. If Oda does not choose to include it, then it must not be crucial. This fan believes that Zoro does not necessarily need to be a complex character; he is who he is.

The upcoming special One Piece magazine will feature a serialized spin-off novel centered on Zoro. This magazine, set to release on June 4, 2024, will also include a cover featuring both Zoro and Sanji, as well as special stickers of the two characters.

Currently, the One Piece manga is at the climax of the Egghead Arc. With the introduction of the first pirate in history, readers can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the Void Century and Joyboy’s past in the upcoming One Piece Chapter 1115.

Interested in gaining a deeper understanding of One Piece? Discover the character with the highest bounty and the strongest individual in the One Piece universe.